Montessori Nose Blowing Lesson.

Between springtime allergies and the common cold it seems like children need tissues half the year! Most of us probably don’t remember a time in our lives when we didn’t know how to properly blow our noses — but wow! How important is this life skill?

The ability to clean your nose isn’t just a hygiene skill — though that’s a major benefit during a pandemic! — but it’s a grace and courtesy skill, and a giant boost toward a child’s sense of independence. It requires body awareness, coordination, fine motor skills, patience, and multiple steps! It’s such an easy lesson to set-up, but many of us skip right over it because we think “nose-blowing” is such common sense. But common sense needs to be taught to children. This is when Practical Life in a Montessori environment shines. 

Most children don’t appreciate an adult coming out of nowhere and wiping their face with a tissue. It’s pretty unnatural if you think about it! That’s why you see children running away from the adult holding a tissue out in their direction; they might yell “no!” or even push the adult away. Presenting the child with the opportunity to blow their own nose is a whole new world! Children crave independence. Remember, this is the age of “help me to do it myself”. 

You’ll need a box of tissues, a mirror, a trash can and access to a sink with soap. You’ll want to model blowing your nose, so that your child can watch. Sitting down on the floor, or kneeling down to their level will help. You’ll want to be slow and deliberate.

1. Notice a tissue is needed, you might even want to say “I need a tissue”.

2. Pull one tissue from the box.

3. Fold the tissue in half.

4. Bring the tissue to your face.

5. Younger children will have an easier time with a “pinch and pull” method where you squeeze your nostrils together with the tissue and then pull the tissue away from your face. There’s no blowing involved! For an older child, or a child who is more aware of their body, model blowing your nose.

6. Use the mirror to check that your face is clean.

7. Throw away the tissue in the trash can.

8. Wash your hands with soap and water.

So, while this might seem like common sense, or just something that needs to get done and be learned, I encourage you to take the time to prepare the environment, set up the materials and model this important life skill for your child. They will feel so proud! Plus, I can promise you that teaching them to do this themselves will be much easier than chasing them around the house trying to wipe their face! 🙂